This is a recap of what all happened at Mission Restore 2009 in Atlanta, Ga. Dec. 27-30th, 2009. Around 40 United Methodist students and Campus Ministers from across Georgia came together to serve in ATL during the day and worship God together at night.

A ministry of the Georgia Wesley Student Movement: United Methodist College Students with a Mission. More info at gahied.com.

I grew up in the United Methodist Church as a preacher’s kid, and then I went to Emory for college and seminary, and now I’m living in a parsonage again! While nurtured and formed in the many churches I was a part of as a child and adolescent, it was my time at Emory College and Camp Glisson that was most formative for me in my own faith journey and calling into ordained ministry. I first began to listen to that call as a summer camper while in high school, and it just got louder and louder as I followed the path into college and eventually into seminary. I was active in the faith community that worshiped at Cannon Chapel at Emory while an undergraduate. Then I began working in the church as a seminary student after finishing college and continuing on as a student at Candler School of Theology. All of the ministers and mentors I encountered during my college years have continued to serve in those roles for me even now–10 years into my adult life!

I was ordained elder in the North Georgia Conference in 2003 and now serve as pastor at St. Paul United Methodist Church in the Grant Park neighborhood of Atlanta. It is a wonderfully diverse and inclusive community, and I thank God for them every day. I am in my third year as their pastor.

I am thankful to have the opportunity to be with you during Mission Restore. I continue to be surprised that God asks me to speak to the community on God’s behalf and vice versa, but the responsibility humbles me and keeps me connected to God in some amazing ways. I hope to share some of that with you in a few weeks and to hear some of your stories. I just bet there are more church nerds out there, and I can’t wait to meet you!”

This year, Mission Restore is coming to Atlanta, Ga Dec. 27-30th. We will be working & ministering with the people of Atlanta doing urban ministry with the poor & flood repair during the day.

At night we will be in worship and small groups together with other students from across the state as we learn and grow in our faith in Jesus. It will be an excellent time to fellowship, serve, grow, pray, worship, act, and move together.